Brothers in a premiership race. Chris, left, and Matt Van Dam prepare for Saturday’s VAFA grand final for St Francis Xavier. 69857
By Jarrod Potter
BROTHERS Chris and Matt Van Dam are having a successful first year at the helm of St Francis Xavier Old Collegians – with the senior side facing off in Saturday’s Victorian Amateur Football Association’s division-four grand final.
With Chris, 29, running around on field, and Matt, 34, doing the bench work from the outer, the Beaconsfield brothers have pushed St Francis Xavier into the premiership play-off against Richmond Central.
The brothers have been with the club since it was formed in 2007.
“We played a pretty big part in getting it started and we had a shocking year last year,” Chris said. “We just wanted to get everything back on track.”
“We both played in the first season of the club, and I’ve been here every year,” Matt said. “Chris was the first captain of the club, and we thought we’d come back and coach.”
On game day, Matt runs the bench while Chris plays off a half-back flank.
“With me playing and the other two assistants, Leigh Andrews and Ricardo Jardim also playing, I needed a man to run the bench,” Chris said.
“I’m too old to be playing,” Matt said.
“I played under Joe Lenders last year, and decided I was getting on, so I was right to help Chris out and I haven’t missed playing.”
St Francis finished the home and away season on top of the ladder.
“We’re quietly confident, we’ve finished three games on top and won by 11 goals in the second semi, but in saying that, if we don’t perform we may get beaten. I think if we come and play our best, we’ll be hard to beat.”
On whispers about expanding the Casey-Cardinia competition, the brothers are certain they won’t see St Francis Xavier moving.
“We’re a long way from that league,” Chris said. “This is only our fifth year.
“This competition suits us; we don’t have money, so amateurs is good in that way.
“Blokes come here to finish their careers.
“Amateurs is good, as you don’t have to worry about getting smacked in the back of the head or anything like that. There’s a bit of travel, but that’s OK.
“Our little brother Simon is vice-captain of the club, and our parents Tim and Margaret help out, so it’s definitely a family effort.”
